Happyokai!

Yesterday was Happyokai, the annual performance of Tiempo Iberoamericano, the school where I study Spanish. Just like last year I had a large acting role, and also just like last year I got exceedingly drunk doing it! I didn't forget my lines though!

Acts included flamenco, salsa, tango and baile latino, all built around a rather flimsy, if somewhat funny, story involving two lovers, a witch and a gay film director (guess which one I played!). I had a great time prancing around on stage in front of over a thousand people. Can't wait till next year!

Thanks to everybody who came along, I hope you all enjoyed my chicken dance at the curtain call!

Winter hits back!

Unbelievable! The battle between winter and spring continues. We thought winter was against the ropes but over the last couple of days there's been a drop in temperatures, bucketfulls of rain and then a load of snow which seem to suggest that winter won't be giving up the ghost quite just yet! Oh, how I want the beautiful spring! Patience James, patience!

Anyway, fresh from the jubilation of my momentous triumph in the DELE Superior, I went to the rehearsal today for tomorrow's Tiempo happiokai (annual performance). Having already sold over a thousand tickets the majority of performers (we're all amateurs, of course) seemed a little nervous! Little wonder with only 36 hours until 'curtains up'. Rehearsals today resembled an unorganized mess of almost biblical proportions! Nobody has any clue as to what they are supposed to be doing and I still haven't learnt any of my lines yet! Anyway, roll on tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it!

Noticias/Breaking News

¡Feliz, feliz! Acabo de descubrir que he aprobado el DELE Superior (Diploma de Español como lengua extranjera). Pensé que iba a sospender pero mi nota fue muy buena, mucho mejor que esperaba. Al final aprobé con facilidad. ¡Este fin de semana voy a celebrar con muchas bebidas alcólicas!

I've just discovered that I've passed my Spanish exam, the DELE Superior. It's the toughest Spanish exam there is - in fact most of my friends who've taken it needed multiple attempts to pass - and I fully expected to fail and to have to retake it in May. However, not only did I pass first time, I absolutely walked it! I got 94% on the reading and writing, 78% on the oral and listening and 70% on the grammar. At least 70% is required on all three sections in order to pass the exam so I only just made it on the grammar but the other two scores amazed me! What a great start to the weekend!

Portrait of a friend 2 - Kaori

My friend Kaori has recently been learning how to prepare and wear kimono. Back in November she asked me to be the 'official photographer' as she took to the streets of Fukuoka in her traditional dress. This was her first time to prepare and wear kimono completely unaided. きれいね？

Where did spring go?

Well, maybe I was wrong about the spring! Today is simply awful! The winter is fighting back!

So, maybe we'll have to wait just a little longer for the warmer weather to return, but one thing we won't be waiting for any more is the Champions League! Back after the now-customary long winter break, it is a most welcome addition to my weekly TV diet. However, whilst for many of you this means an evening spent in the pub or even at home, feet on the coffee table, beer in hand, for me the reality is somewhat different. To grab a piece of the action I have no choice but to brave the cold night-time temperatures of my apartment for a 4.45am start! Still, it could be worse, as once the clocks change in Europe I'll be in line for 3.45am starts, and that's not fun, believe me!

My prediction: Chelsea to get knocked out by Barcelona, plunge into crisis and lose the Premiership on the last day to Manchester United! I just put two quid on it!

This guy just keeps following me everywhere!

And it looks like spring has finally sprung! Fantastic!

George W and his passport

The following is an short passage from a book I am currently reading, 'The Definitive Book of Body Language' by Allan and Barbara Pease:

'Research in 42 countries shows North Americans to be the least culturally sensitive people with the British coming a close second. Considering that 86% of North Americans don't have a passport, it follows that they would be the most ignorant of international body language customs. Even George Bush had to apply for a passport after becoming President of the United States so he could travel overseas.'

So, Bush didn't have a passport? Well, that explains everything, doesn't it?

Saga Wanderers 1-6 FGU

Despite the cold and at times miserable conditions, not to mention the fact that the game was played on sand, the FGU (Fukuoka Gaikokujin United) boys comfortably won this away fixture in not-so-sunny Saga. A three goal half-time lead, with goals from Lee (penalty) and from long-legged left-winger Robertson (double-strike), ensured that victory was never in doubt. The scoreline was added to in the second half when a Heneghan through-ball set up Robertson for his third, before Matty Ho weighed in with a classy brace. Saga replied with a late consolation goal through a very talented Japanese lad who, unfortunately, annoyed his team mates by rarely passing. Captain Canning was furious about Brucey, a 6 foot 4 inch Kiwi, being muscled off the ball by the little nipper in the build-up to the goal, and also by Jake's failure to keep a clean sheet! Other incidents saw perfectly good goals by Heneghan and Canning disallowed, with Canning also missing a penalty with what was one of the worst spot-kicks you're ever likely to see.

And I ripped my knee open again!

jameslive.blogspot.com

For those of you interested in my musical progress, please follow the above link. This page will be constantly updated with news of upcoming dates, musical collaborations, viscious rock industry rumours, gig reports and other information related to the Fukuoka music scene.

Portrait of a friend 1 - Conor

This is a new feature on Sashimi Sunburst which will be titled 'Portrait of a friend'. Every week or so I will post some of my favourite portraits of the friends who help make my life in Fukuoka so much fun! First up, Conor!

This photo is a flashback to when the weather was good! On this warm November day and with various shades of green and beige, Conor somehow managed to select a look which perfectly matched Kyushu's autumnal colours. And although probably unintentional, his look was critically acclaimed throughout Japan by fashion critics and clothes designers alike! It goes without saying that Conor's spring collection is eagerly anticipated.

The fashion guru has an excellent blog, keenfactor, which is well worth checking out! Follow the link above!

Tombi, Lord of the Skies!

This is the tombi, a fierce aerial predator common in southern Japan, particularly in rural areas. Known in English as a falcon or hawk, it feeds mainly on ocean fish and small rodents. With a wingspan of over a metre, allowing it to drift on warm thermals, and an awesome eyesight up to eight times more powerful than a human's, it's perfectly adapted for a predatory existence. This powerful bird, the largest predator in the skies above southern Japan, lives in groups, sometimes of a hundred or more, terrorizing many of the other species that live nearby. Some birds, however, don't take too kindly to the tombi's presence. The crow and the magpie, both fiercely territorial, will defend their patches for all they're worth against the threat of this aerial killer. Despite its size, because it spends a lot of its time soaring on lofty thermals, the tombi is not particularly easy to photograph. However, my zoom lens came in most useful when I spotted the above indivudual perched on a wooden pole, basking in the early morning sun.


Tombi terrorizing the skies of Himeshima!

Advice for you and your crew!

This is a kid at one of my elementary schools! At 10 years old he's already a big lad and he eats like a brontosaurus! You should see him shovelling down his school lunch! Quite an awesome sight! In case you were wondering, the message on his t-shirt reads:

"Idolization - you must attract your crew gaze with this!"

Of course you should! Excellent advice!

Back on the gig circuit!

After a month's much needed rest, it won't be long before I'll be hitting the gig trail once again! The first weekend of March will see me play two gigs, Sam and Dave on Friday 4th and International Bar on Saturday 5th. It is the beginning of what is likely to be an extremely busy spring schedule. And although my next gig is more than two weeks away preparations, especially rehearsals, must begin now. The above photo, taken by up-and-coming Fukuoka-based photographer Conor Keeney, was taken at Sam and Dave in December, whilst Shannon and I were performing one of my oldest and most popular songs, 'The Calm Before the Storm'.

Unas palabras sobre España

Tal vez algunos creían que quería atacar a España sobre el caso de la tragedia en Castellón. No es así. Sé que existen unas diferencias entre este caso y el caso de las bombonas de gas en las casas y quizás lo del gas butano era un mal ejemplo. De todas formas solo quería decir que España a menudo tiene que pagar un alto precio por su falta de technología moderna y de normas de seguridad. Esta semana hemos visto otro caso en Madrid, dónde un incendio destruyó un edificio entero. En los ultimos años han sido muchos los ejemplos de edificios destruídos o caídos en España. Me parece que esto no ocurre con tanta frecuencia en otros países de la UE.

Pero bueno, no quiero decir mas cosas negativas. En mi opinión España ha sido siempre uno de los mejores países de Europa y tengo muchísimas ganas de volver ahí muy pronto. No hay nada como beber tinto de verano en la playa por el día y tomar copas por las calles andaluzas por la noche. ¡Me encanta España! ¡Y me encanta su gente!

¡Un saludo a Pepe! ¡Muchísimas gracias por tu comentario!

Back in the land of ninjas!

Back in Japan! Back at elementary school! Did I even go away?

My last day in south east Asia was fun, but I must admit to being a little disappointed with the Thais. Maybe there is an economic reason for their attitude towards tourists but, in almost all cases, I found them to be impolite and not particularly friendly. I certainly didn't see much smiling going on in the 'Land of the smile'!

Anyway, life goes on, and unfortunately I have returned to a schedule from hell! I'll be a happy chappy once this month is over!

Final destination - Bangkok

In danger of missing my flight? No worries! I arrived in Bangkok at 6am this morning after a fourteen hour journey from Hat Yai on one of the funniest trains I've ever been on! The toilets were disgusting, we were given towels for blankets and I spent most of my time bobbling up and down in the open section between carriages, drinking beers with a couple of British guys I met on route! I must admit we sank a fair few and I collapsed in a near coma around 2am.

Bangkok, for me, is saturated with tourists. I tried to get away from the heavily touristed areas to get a better feeling for the city, but after the last five days travelling I was exhausted. Around midday, after taking a ride on a river boat and checking out some quiet back streets, I conceded defeat and checked into a hotel!

Now the end of my vacation has come! I have had an amazing time! I've learnt so much and I leave this place with an amazing respect for the people who live in the region. In Europe we could learn a few things from the people of south east Asia!

But before I head back to Japan, I have the small matter of a night on the town to enjoy! Just a few beers before I go to bed!

Thailand at last!

It's midday and I've just arrived in Hat Yai, southern Thailand. The fifteen hour train journey was surprisingly good! I shared a first class cabin with a Chinese Malaysian, who told me everything there was to know about the country, its people, its history and its culture. It was fascinating stuff! I wish I had more time to spend in Malaysia! 36 hours was far too short!

I have just bought my ticket for the next part of my journey, a fourteen hour overnight 'hop' to Bangkok. I will be in second class, so no bed this time, but I plan to get hold of a beer or two to keep me occupied! And I bought plenty of reading material in Kuala Lumpur to easily keep me going until I get back to Japan, so hopefully the time will pass quickly!

All this means that I should arrive in Bangkok with about 24 hours to spare, so I'll have a good chance to look around the city and sample it's legendary nightlife! Unfortunately I will not have time to pass by Phuket on the way! For me that's a real shame, but to be honest the whole journey from Singapore has taken me much longer than initially expected, so I'm just happy to arrive in Bangkok tomorrow without too much stress or hurry!

Once again, top marks, this time to the Malaysian people, who were friendly and polite at all times! I'll definitely miss Malaysia!

Interview with Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas is a 45 year old Singapore citizen of Indian descent. He works in shipping and kindly agreed to answer my probing questions about life in Singapore:

Heneganov - Where were you born?
Thomas - I was born right here in Little India (in Singapore). I have a Singapore passport. My descendents came from India about one hundred and fifty years ago.
H - How do you like life in Singapore?
T - It's very good! Life is very comfortable here! We have everything we need!
H - I notice that you have many strict rules in Singapore! What do you think about that?
T - Yes, of course, some rules are stupid, but mostly they are good. I think rules are important in our society.
H - I noticed that the penalty for drug smuggling here is death!
T - Yes. Drug smuggling is not accepted here in Singapore...
H - ...but just two hours ago I saw an Indian man smoking a huge joint in the street, just two blocks away. Is that normal here?
T - (looking round) Are you sure it wasn't just a cigar?
H - Very sure! I know the smell of marijuana!
T - Well...I suppose there are drug users in every country, aren't there, regardless of the penalties? However, it is not a common sight in Singapore. We are not a drug country!
H - I see! And what about prostitution? Is that common here?
T - Hmm...it depends! Do you need a woman for tonight? I could probably help you!
H - No, no thank you! I don't need a woman. I was just wondering if prostitution was a problem here?
T - Ah well...it is illegal, but of course it happens. I have been once or twice before, but not recently.
H - So, I notice there are many beautiful women in Singapore, and of many different ethnic groups. Which girls do you prefer?
T - Good question! Well, of course, I like Indian girls, but as far as I'm concerned a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman. It doesn't matter where they come from. If a beautiful woman wants to marry with me, I wouldn't care if she was from India, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria or Antartica! I'm not fussy!
H - And what about western women? Do you like them?
T - Hmm...sometimes they are beautiful but, I'm sorry my friend, I think western women are generally too big and they talk too much! We have much more beautiful women in Singapore. You should look for a wife here, you know!
H - Ha ha! Maybe! Anyway, I see you have a big scar on your face. How did it happen?
T - Actually, it is funny you should mention it because it happened in Japan! I had a shipping job there about three years ago and I went out with my crewmates for a night on the town. I got drunk and I ran into some problems!
H - Problems? What happened?
T - It's a long story my friend, but basically I got randy and went looking for some women with my colleague. I found a nice girl, but after we had finished the deed she upped the price. I couldn't believe it! Naturally, I refused to pay the new price, insisting on paying the original price. She got angry and before I knew it the door flung open and I had five samurai attacking me...
H - Samurai? Are you sure? Don't you mean yakuza?
T - No, no! They had blades! They were definitely samurai! Anyway, one guy grabbed me and cut me behind the ear. They held me down but I couldn't understand what they were saying so I panicked and tried to struggle free. The same guy cut me again on the forehead and then again on the cheek.
H - What happened next?
T - The police came! I don't know where they came from, but sure as daylight they were there! The samarai ran for it and I was left with blood pouring from my wounds. The police arrested me and I was released the following day.
H - Wow, that's some story!
T - Yes, and I was lucky. It was my fault and I totally deserved it. In hindsight I should have paid the inflated amount, as the difference wasn't even that great. But you do silly things when you are drunk, don't you?
H - One more question! What do you think of foreigners who come to Singapore?
T - Well, of course, we like foreigners here, but we don't get to meet many! In fact, no foreigners ever come to this bar. You are the first foreigner I have ever seen here!
H - Really?
T - Yes! I was very surprised to see a foreign man in this bar! But you are very welcome here!
H - Wow, that's cool! Thank you! I like it here! The beer is good! And I love the Indian music!
T - Oh...I'm happy you like our music. I heard most foreigners don't like Indian music. But I can see you are different my friend. For example, most foreigners come to our country wearing shorts and sunglasses. As soon as they get off the plane they think they can wear beach clothes! They stand out very easily and to us they look very silly! I could tell that you were different because firstly, you are brave to come into our bar, and secondly, you are not wearing silly beach clothes! I like your style!
H - Well, thank you! Let's drink to Singapore!
T - And to India!
H - To Singapore and to India!
H and T - (raise glasses) Cheers!!

A day in Malaysia

Last night I made the fatal mistake of getting drunk before a long bus journey! I had a great time, however, drinking with the Indian guys of Little India! They were so friendly and kept buying me fresh glasses of Tiger beer! But I began to regret it once I got on the bus! I am amazed I didn't puke or wet myself! My bladder was so full and I felt rotten!

Anyway, at 4am this morning I arrived in Kuala Lumpur. I was greeted by hordes of taxi drivers who wanted to show me all over town, or at least take me to a hotel. I just kept my head down and, after emptying my bladder by the side of the road, I headed for the nearest hotel. It was full, of course!

In fact, almost everywhere was full, and of those hotels that weren't, none would accept credit card. Because of the weakness of the Ringgit, you cannot get any Malaysian currency anywhere except in Malaysia, so I had arrived with no money at all (apart from 25,000 yen, 20 euros, 15 pounds, 30 HK dollars and 10 Singapore dollars, which incredibly nobody would accept!) and no way of getting any. Nobody would exchange any of my different foreign currencies! I took stock. I thought that in a large, dynamic city like this, it shouldn't be too hard to find an international ATM. However, everybody I spoke too seemed to think it was impossible. I had other ideas, and of course, I found one without too much trouble. But I ended up staying in a minging little place with no bedding and where I couldn't turn the aircon off, so I almost froze. And the owner played his Islamic music, really loudly, all night! Terrible experience!

Today I wandered around Kuala Lumpur and paid a visit to the magnificent Petronas Towers. It's a public holiday here today so the surrounding park was full with people. It was lovely and the weather was gorgeous! Great for taking photos!

Tonight I leave Kuala Lumpur at 8pm, and I have a mammoth fifteen hour train ride to Hat Yai, in the south of Thailand. I have a sleeper car thankfully, but I could really do without this journey. Then as soon as I arrive there (tomorrow lunchtime) I have to look at getting on the first train or bus that I can find to Bangkok. That could be another mega-journey! If I don't get out of Hat Yai quickly tomorrow I may be in real danger of not making my flight on Monday!

Sweaty Singapore!

Little India

It's really hot here in Singapore! The temperatures have been higher than I anticipated! I've been sweating like a filthy little urchin!

I spent most of the day at Jurong Birdpark taking photos of dozens of different bird species! The light was really good and I could get really close to the birds! On a few occassions some little lories came and perched themselves on my hands! It was crazy! Now I'm in Little India, which is actually huge, looking for some food! It's so weird, there's hardly a single east Asian face in this neighbourhood! The people, the food, the smells, the music, the clothes - in short, everything - is Indian! So strange! Actually, this place makes London's Chinatown look extremely small!

One observation that I have made in the last 24 hours is that Singapore women are definitely right up there with the best on the planet, on a par with and perhaps even superior to the Swedes, the Japanese and even the Brazilians! Simply awesome!

Anyway, tonight I'm catching a night train to Malaysia. I'm due to arrive at 4am so I'll have to try and keep myself occupied in the Kuala Lumpur streets until the sun comes up! It could be another long night!

¿Cómo?

Aunque sea una muy mala noticia, la tragedia en Castellón, donde el domingo murieron 18 personas por inhalar monóxido de carbono, no me sorprendó. Muchos pisos en España todavía tienen antiguas formas de technología y un ejemplo muy claro de este es lo del gas butano. Las cifras no son tan importantes pero es un hecho que los escapes de gas, y también las explosiones, están todavía causando las muertes de gente.

Cuando vivía en España tenía cada noche un poco de miedo de que las bombonas de gas no fueran completamente seguros, y como consecuencia, siempre tenía la sensación de que un accidente fuera posible. Esta semana la pesadilla se ha convertido en una realidad. Pero hoy día la muerte por inhalación es una estupidez que se debería evitar.

A veces España parece ser un país moderno, pero los sucesos de esta semana muestran que todavía lo falta mucho por hacer.

Weather delay in Taipei ruined my day!

It's not supposed to take fifteen hours to get from Fukuoka to Singapore, but three planes, one very weird weather system, one long delay, one missed connection and lots of waiting around have meant that my arrival in Singapore has been well behind schedule. It's after midnight here, and I really don't fancy going out into the Singapore night to find a hotel, so I'm going to battle it out in the airport until morning!

Today, because of the foggiest weather conditions I have ever witnessed, I spent far too long in Taipei. And, of all the airports to be delayed in, Taipei has got to be the worst! In fact, it must rank among the top five worst airports on the planet. Anybody who has been there will know exactly what I mean. Apart from there being nothing to do, it is one of the most depressing places in Asia! Adjectives that I would use to describe Taipei's airport include; boring, unimaginative, dull, horrible, awful, shocking, atrocious, diabolical, horrendous, crap, shit!

Singapore's Changi Airport, on the other hand, is the world's best, so I am quite relieved to be spending the night here, and not up there in Taiwan. Singapore has 24 hour internet access, coffee shops, bars, shops and even shower facilities! All through the night! Wonderful!

And top marks to Cathay Pacific today! I'd travelled with them before and not been overly impressed, but today they did a really good job! Things that impressed me included bringing us sandwiches to eat during the Taipei delay, quickly and efficiently getting us to our re-scheduled planes in Hong Kong and then providing Haagen Das ice cream after an excellent in-flight meal! However, it's not all plaudits, because the stewardesses are still nowhere near as good as Singapore Airlines, so negative points for that! As they say, Singapore girl, you're a great way to fly! And quite right too!

One thing Taiwan and Singapore have in common is that the penalty for drug smuggling in both places is DEATH!!

And I thought Japan was bad!

Heneganov hits south-east Asia!

I love international airport terminals! So much emotion and excitement in one place! Right now I'm in Fukuoka Airport, and shortly I'll be boarding my flight to Singapore, from where I'll have only six days to get to Bangkok for my return flight back to Japan! I have twenty rolls of film and three cameras! Hopefully that'll be enough! The trip starts here...

Siberian girl!

I met this cute Siberian girl in Tenjin! She invited me to her house and made me a cup of her special tea!

Engrish 1

On the front cover of an A4 lined exercise book:

'It is our wish that this item will become your good friend and help to make your life enjoyable all the time.'

4-kyu - The Aftermath

It is no surprise that I failed the Japanese Proficiency Exam. After all, I did not make any effort to study for it. However, this exam is strange in that it does not test your ability in the most important aspect of language learning - communication.

My Japanese oral skills are much better than my reading or writing skills. This is backed up by my relatively good score in the JPE listening exam, yet poor scores in the other two papers. But, with no oral exam to speak of, my true ability in Japanese was not tested.

This exam, as a measure of Japanese proficiency, simply isn't what it claims to be. Communication is the key to any language, and it is no surprise that some woeful speakers of Japanese, by way of studying often pointless and barely used constructions, can pass this exam. Yet, a relatively good speaker who struggles with kanji (Chinese characters) and the two phonetic alphabets, katakana and hiragana, is likely to fail this exam.

Of course, I completely deserved to fail so this is not a case of sour grapes. What is far more important to me is the soon-to-be-published result of my Spanish exam (DELE Superior) which, in my opinion at least, is what an exam should be. It incorporates all the four skills and provides a fair test of a candidates linguistic ability in all kinds of situations, both formal and informal. It is an extremely thorough examination. In fact, it is everything the JPE should be!

But, the JPE is just one example of a whole family of exams in Japan, which I simply cannot comprehend. The most notorious of these is the TOEIC, which tests a candidate's ability in English and is the most widely recognized English exam in Japan. Amazingly, the test has no oral exam and is entirely multiple choice. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of horrendous speakers of English in Japan with good TOEIC scores. The mentality in Japan really is geared towards passing exams. It seems they forgot about actually learning to speak the language! They forgot about the most important thing - communication! No wonder foreign language ability in Japan verges on the mediocre!

As for the Japanese Proficiency Exam, I'll probably do it again next year, but I'll study for it this time!

By the way, congratulations to Conor (3-kyu), Rory and Oanh (both 1-kyu), who all passed! Well done!

BREAKING NEWS

Heneganov has failed the Japanese Proficiency Exam, 4-kyu (Level 4). Results were distributed yesterday for the nationwide exams held on December 5th 2004.

Drugs in Japan

A well-respected professor at the University of Kyushu was found by police, this weekend, passed out on the corridor floor of a love hotel. Nothing much wrong in that, you may think! After all, love hotels form an integral part of Japanese society, an industry which even Mr. Koizumi himself is purported to support. However, the well-respected professor in question had made one crucial mistake before passing out - he got hideously stoned!

Now at 36 years of age, arrested and apparently charged with possession, his career is over. He will never work again at the University of Kyushu or at any other university in Japan. He is screwed. Everything he has worked hard for since junior high school has been thrown away in one moment of madness. Disgraced, he may disappear into obscurity.

In a similar case, one British ALT (assisitant language teacher) based in Miyazaki recently enjoyed the festive season with friends in Thailand. Whilst there, free of Japan's strict and paranoid drug laws, he naturally indulged in a little herbal relaxation. On his return to Fukuoka Airport, he was met by a team of particularly well-trained narcotics dogs who detected a dodgy whiff eminating from one of the side-pockets in his bag! Apparently the young Brit, with nothing to fear, kept his cool. After all, yes, there had indeed been dope in that pocket, but he knew it wasn't there now! No problems, he thought!

After some routine questioning the authorities deemed they had sufficient cause to suspect the young man of being of sinister character. He was held in custody whilst his appartment was searched. A small quantity of marijuana was allegedly found.

His employers were informed and he was immediately relieved of his work duties. He was subsequently deported from Japan in disgrace. He will not be allowed to return.

Unfortunately, whilst the current mentality towards mild recreational drugs is such, Japan will always remain a place where, by merely rolling a joint, you risk everything and stand to gain relatively little. The choice is yours!

Guitar shopping!

Yesterday I helped Jun choose a new guitar! She opted for this lovely Yamaha acoustic with a full, yet light sound!

Spring is just around the corner!

In between ferocious battles with deadly ninjas and late night exchanges with plastic J-barbie hostess girls, I have tried to relax this weekend. Unfortunately, the translation I'm supposed to finish by Tuesday still hasn't arrived on my desk, and the whole sorry episode has left me with a feeling a bit like when a miniture Godzilla crawls into your pants and disappears up your hole. So instead of doing the translation that I expected I would be doing, I've spent my weekend at Jun's house, just relaxing and sleeping, and using her lovely Mac!

Japan at this time of year is quite cold, but an English teacher at my school who, like most Japanese, considers himself an expert in such things, bodly claimed this week that winter is now over. 'James...' he says, 'spring is just around the corner! Here in Japan we have the loveliest spring in all the world! We can sit under cherry blossom trees and get drunk with our friends and colleagues. Spring is a happy time for us. We can see the animals coming out of their holes and small insects will make us happy! Please, let's go for cherry blossom viewing in the spring and let's drink sake until we fall on the floor like drunk sararimen!' Fair enough, I thought, how could I argue with that?

My latest wacky project for the fast-approaching spring is the formation of a killer rock band. However, things don't seem to be going too well in that department! With bass players and drummers extremely hard to find, maybe I'll have no choice but to abandon the idea and stick to the acoustic scene. In the meantime I've been composing songs for piano and next month Jun and I plan to play a piano set at International Bar Fukuoka.

And last night I dreamt of E Honda (yes, of Street Fighter fame)! Actually, what surprised me most was that his English was pretty good, but then again you'd expect that from an internationally-travelled street fighter, wouldn't you?

Politically-driven closet heterosexual

グレイト！ Finally I have my blog up and running! Obviously this photo is a complete fake! I'm talking to myself! Nobody ever calls me at weekends!

The last two months have been frantically busy for me so I'm using February as an excuse to relax. My usually hectic live gig schedule is looking wonderfully empty, at least until the spring, and on top of that I'm only a few days away from a cheeky mid-term sejourn to Thailand and Malaysia. I have a couple of musical side-projects coming up and I seem to be in an unusually rich vein of song-writing form! This is how Heneganov was described in a recent Fukuoka music publication:

'On the surface, James Heneghan appears to be a mild-mannered English teacher from sunny Britain. But anyone who has seen this politically-driven closet heterosexual in concert will know the violent truth.

Occasionally dubbed 'The New Billy Bragg', this incendiary songwriter has had the gaijin proletariat population of Fukuoka fawning ever since he arrived.

Weaned on a strict diet of Dylan, Beatles, Doors and Neil Young, James spent his formative musical years plying his trade with Spanish acoustic rock giants, Gato Malo, before moving to Japan and setting his sights on the likes of George W and his pitiful cronies.

But it's not all protest. For anyone with a penchant for gay anthems and monkey songs, this fellow may well be your man. Catch him while you can though. With the world at new levels of political disarray, Heneghan's protest will take the form of a vow of musical celibacy. After tonight, you will be hearing from him no more, at least until the spring.'

Great stuff!

BREAKING NEWS

This week Heneganov extended his contract for a third year. He will be in Japan until at least August 2006.

Welcome to Sashimi Sunburst!

For my family, my friends back home in the UK, mis amigos en Espana, mes amis en France, my buddies in the US, my friends in Japan and everybody else who knows me anywhere else in the world!